Title: Martin Garrix And MOTi Mark 12 Years Of ‘Virus (How About Now)’
It’s hard to believe that it has already been 12 years since Martin Garrix and MOTi made waves in the electronic dance music scene with their explosive collaboration, ‘Virus (How About Now)’. Released in 2014, this track quickly became a hallmark of the big room sound that dominated festivals and clubs worldwide. Before its official release, the track was already a staple in the sets of many renowned DJs, creating a buzz as fans speculated who was behind the mysterious anthem. Once Spinnin’ Records officially confirmed Garrix and MOTi as the masterminds, the track saw immense support from DJs like Hardwell, Avicii, Tiësto, David Guetta, Afrojack, W&W, and Nicky Romero.
How ‘Virus (How About Now)’ Came Together
The genesis of ‘Virus’ was sparked when MOTi shared an early draft of the track with Martin Garrix, several years into their friendship. MOTi noted that Garrix was particularly drawn to the melody of the drop, prompting him to contribute a breakdown that ultimately enhanced the track. Their collaboration bore fruit with the inclusion of vocals from Jenny Wahlström, who was credited alongside Martin Garrix, MOTi, Niclas Lundin, and Leon Paul Palmen, adding a vital dimension to the record.
At the time, both artists were deeply embedded in the burgeoning big room and electro house scene that defined major music festivals. Garrix had already gained fame through tracks like ‘Animals’ and ‘Wizard’, while MOTi was carving out a reputation with releases on Musical Freedom, showcasing tracks like ‘Zeus’ with Kenneth G and ‘This Is Dirty’ alongside DVBBS. The fusion of their styles culminated in ‘Virus (How About Now)’, which achieved the remarkable feat of landing at No. 1 on the Beatport Top 100, solidifying its place in electronic music history.
‘Virus’ Became A Major 2014 Festival Record
By the time the track officially hit the scene, it had already garnered extensive traction thanks to its endorsement by major players in the electronic music world, effectively introducing it to festival crowds. The official music video for ‘Virus (How About Now)’ debuted on October 13, 2014, followed by the commercial release of the single across various platforms later that month. This high-energy anthem resonated with fans around the globe, charting in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.
The music video took a literal interpretation of the song’s title, weaving a storyline of a virus being transmitted between individuals, while a computer game unfolds concurrently. Released concurrently with the track, the video amassed over 22 million views on the official Spinnin’ Records channel, a testament to its popularity and cultural impact.
Fast forward over a decade, and ‘Virus (How About Now)’ remains pivotal to the nostalgia associated with the big room era that once ruled festival stages worldwide. For Martin Garrix and MOTi, this collaboration marked a significant moment in their careers, encapsulating the energy and excitement of festival culture during the height of their popularity. Its enduring presence in throwback DJ sets ensures that the track continues to reverberate through the electronic scene, reminding fans of how it once dominated dancefloors around the globe.
